2023 Healthy Holiday Gift Guide: Align your Shopping List with your Holistic Values

The main concept behind Mache's "Wellness Onion" suggests an stress-free, layered approach towards designing oneself a health-conscious and environmentally sustainable lifestyle. Each layer of this wellness model represents one step in a step-by-step, or layer-by-layer, approach to understanding and committing to holistic and conscious living.

To cultivate your own Wellness Onion, is to open up to the process of peeling back the not-so-attractive truths behind what we consume, what we absorb, the impacts of the interior spaces we inhabit, and extending out to consider the role we play as individuals within the greater planet family. As we step into the holiday season, a time synonymous with gifting and indulgence, it is an exceptional time to take a brief moment to align your shopping choices with the "Wellness Onion" principles. In doing so, you may notice a significant up-tick in your holiday spirit as you contribute directly, and meaningfully, towards healthier living and a greener planet.

The importance of conscious consumerism during the holiday season cannot be overstated. It's a time when the allure of discounts and the rush to find the perfect present can overshadow the essence of mindful gifting. By choosing to buy sustainable and non-toxic products, we not only gift our loved ones with items that promote well-being but also support brands and marketplaces that are committed to ethical and eco-friendly practices, which furthers a global shift towards non-toxic products. To help you save precious time and cut to the front of the shopping line, we've compiled below over fifty ways you can practice conscious consumerism and impress family and friends with gifts designed to support optimal health and wellness.

Internal Layer: Nourish the Core with Conscious Consumption

Every layer of the Wellness Onion emphasizes the significance of mindful consumption, yet the first layer is often the most monumental, as it deals with what we choose to consume internally, be it food or beverages, which play a pivotal role in shaping the course of our health and well-being.

Outside of the obvious health benefits related to eating well, these choices have a broader global health impact, influencing the demand for clean, organic, and sustainably sourced products. By opting for brands that prioritize chemical-free, natural ingredients and ethical sourcing, we can contribute to a larger movement towards healthier food systems.

Here are some of our favorite brands that embody the essence of sustainable and mindful food, cultivated and ingested as preventative and corrective medicine:

1. Leaves and Flowers Tea: A collection of handcrafted herbal teas sourced from organic or wildcrafted ingredients, offering a pure and natural tea experience.

2. Alexis Smart Flower Remedies: Holistic flower remedies designed to support emotional well-being, crafted from wildflowers and organic brandy.

3. Banyan Botanicals: Offering a range of Ayurvedic herbs and products aimed at supporting a balanced and holistic lifestyle.

4. Seed Probiotics: Pioneering the field of probiotics with science-backed, clinically-validated probiotics to support gut health.

5. Nue Co: Bridging the gap between health and beauty with a range of supplements that prioritize clean, organic ingredients.

6. Wooden Spoon Herbs: Herbal wellness products crafted from American-grown herbs to support holistic health.

7. Recess: Infusing beverages with hemp extract and adaptogens to create a calm, focused mind.

8. Kin Euphorics: Offering a range of non-alcoholic beverages designed to elevate your state without the hangover.

9. Beekeepers Naturals: Natural remedies harnessing the power of bee products to support immune health and overall wellness.

10. MAYU WATER carafe: Unlike ordinary water pitchers, the MAYU Swirl employs innovative vortex technology that restores water molecules to their natural form, allowing for better absorption into your body's cells and ensuring delicious-tasting water.

The brands highlighted above exemplify a commitment to quality, purity, and environmental stewardship. Moreover, they offer a pathway to enjoy the holiday festivities while staying aligned with the core values of conscious consumerism, making the act of gift-giving a nourishing and mindful practice.

As we usher in the festive season, the act of giving and receiving presents us with a golden opportunity to embody the principles of sustainable and mindful consumption. The choices we make, from the food we indulge in to the beverages we toast with, have a ripple effect that extends beyond our personal sphere into the broader ecosystem.

By opting for sustainable and non-toxic products, we are not only nurturing our own well-being but also casting a vote for a healthier planet and a more equitable economy. As we navigate the bustling aisles of holiday shopping, let's pause, reflect, and choose products that resonate with the ethos of nourishing the core layer of the Wellness Onion.

Second Layer: Toxin-free Topical Products

The second layer of the Wellness Onion brings our attention to what we absorb through the skin. The personal care products we use daily, from lotions to shampoos, have a direct impact on our health. Many conventional products contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed into our bodies. Switching to sustainable and non-toxic personal care products is a step towards mindful topical product absorption, promoting better health and supporting eco-friendly practices in the beauty and personal care industry.

For clean beauty and body stocking stuffers, check out these top brands that are leading the way in offering sustainable and non-toxic personal care products:

1. Rahua: By honoring the Amazon rainforest and its indigenous people, Rahua uses natural and organic ingredients in its hair care products to deliver transformative results.

2. Dr. Bronner’s: Known for its multi-use castile soap, Dr. Bronner’s is a family business committed to making socially and environmentally responsible products of the highest quality.

3. Alima Pure: Makeup products made from minimal ingredients for maximum impact, Alima Pure is committed to creating luxurious, high-quality formulas without harmful additives.

4. Ursa Major: Skincare and body care products that are formulated using nature’s most effective ingredients.

5. Meow Meow Tweet: A small-batch skincare company that creates vegan products with pure, all-natural, and organic ingredients.

6. Axiology: Cruelty-free and vegan lipsticks, Axiology combines color and conscience in its range of beauty products.

7. Elate Cosmetics: Ethical and sustainable cosmetics that care for your skin and the planet, Elate Cosmetics offers a range of products packaged in bamboo and recycled materials.

8. OSEA Malibu: Plant-based, vegan skincare products that are responsibly sourced and free of synthetic ingredients.

9. Kjaer Weis: A bold brand that blends luxury with sustainability, offering high-quality makeup products in refillable packaging.

10. Monastery: Natural skincare products, each ingredient is chosen for its specific therapeutic benefit.

11. Living Libations: Organic and pure botanical products for skincare, oral care, and overall wellness.

12. Fat and the Moon: Handcrafted, herbal body care products made from natural ingredients.

13. Marie Veronique: Skincare products formulated with a blend of scientifically-proven ingredients and natural botanicals.

14. Wonder Valley: Known for their olive oil, they also offer a range of skincare that harnesses the power of olive oil.

15. Everyday Oil: All-natural, unisex skincare products for everyday use. Their oil is a Team Mache favorite!

16. Kindred Black: A historically rooted collection of environmentally focused artisan skincare, cosmetics, and botanical perfumes.

These brands offer a variety of personal care products that are not only effective but also kind to your skin and the environment. By choosing to gift products from these brands, you are not only promoting healthier skin but also supporting the movement towards a more sustainable and toxin-free beauty industry! Making mindful choices in what we apply on our skin is a significant step towards holistic wellness and a cleaner planet.

Third Layer: Design Toxin-free Indoor Spaces

Creating a healthy living and working space is an essential step in practicing holistic wellness. The materials and products we choose for our homes and workplaces play a significant role in our overall health and the health of our planet. Opting for sustainable, non-toxic, and ethically produced home goods, furnishings, and interior materials is a way to ensure that our interior world is in harmony with the exterior world. If you have a loved one who is undertaking a remodel or simply appreciates interior design, instead of adding to the toxic VOCs polluting their home, give them the gift of non-toxic and sustainable bedding, furnishing, and decor that will lend to a healthier and more inspiring indoor environment.

See below for a short list of best-in-the-business brands that are leading the way in offering sustainable and non-toxic products for healthy interiors:

1. Mache: Sustainable fitness and yoga products designed to harmonize your living space with your wellness journey. From yoga mat storage solutions to eco-friendly yoga props, Mache provides a curated selection of non-toxic wellness products designed to support healthy habits.

2. Avocado Green Mattress: Organic certified mattresses, bedding, and furniture that are better for your health and the planet.

3. Medley: Eco-friendly furniture made from natural and organic materials.

4. Under the Canopy: Organic cotton bedding and bath linens.

5. Boll & Branch: Organic cotton sheets, towels, and other home goods.

6. EcoBalanza: Crafting luxury organic upholstered furniture.

7. EarthHero: An online marketplace for eco-friendly and sustainable home goods, apparel, and more.

8. Green Building Supply: Eco-friendly building supplies including flooring, paint, countertops, and more.

9. The Citizenry: Offering globally-inspired, ethically sourced, and fairly priced home goods.

10. GlobeIn: A subscription box service offering fair trade and handcrafted products from around the world.

The above exemplary eco-brands are just a starting point in designing conscious spaces that are both beautiful and beneficial to your health and the environment. By choosing products from companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical production, you are investing in a healthier home interior and a healthier home planet.

Moreover, if you find yourself needing guidance in navigating the vast world of material, fixture, and furnishings selection to ensure the end result aligns with your values, Mache's Wellness Design Studio's services are here to assist you. With a keen eye for sustainable design and a deep understanding of the Wellness Onion framework, Brienne can help transform your living or working space into a haven of wellness and sustainability. Discover more about how Brienne can support your design journey here.

Exterior Layer: Preference Planet-Friendly Organizations

In the final layer of the Wellness Onion, we extend our consciousness to the broader ecosystem. By investing in products and services that are not only good for us but also for the planet, we contribute to a more sustainable and ethical world for everyone. Here are some brands and nonprofits that are making a global difference:

1. Patagonia: Known for its eco-friendly outdoor apparel, Patagonia is a brand that stands by its mission to cause no unnecessary harm and use business to inspire solutions to the environmental crisis.

2. EcoRoots: Offering a range of zero waste products, EcoRoots helps you reduce plastic waste in your daily routine.

3. Allbirds: With shoes made from sustainable materials like merino wool and eucalyptus trees, Allbirds is a step ahead in eco-friendly footwear.

4. Eileen Fisher: A pioneer in sustainable fashion, Eileen Fisher offers clothing that is both ethical and timeless.

5. Grove Collaborative: Your one-stop-shop for natural household and personal care products.

6. Ocean Conservancy: A nonprofit working to protect the ocean from today's greatest global challenges. Consider making a donation in a loved one's name.

7. The Sierra Club: One of the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organizations in the United States. A donation here supports efforts to promote clean energy and combat climate change.

8. The Nature Conservancy: Working to create a world where people and nature can thrive together. A meaningful donation can be made in honor of a loved one.

9. 1% for the Planet: A global movement inspiring businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions through annual membership and everyday actions.

10. Zero Waste Store: Offering a variety of sustainable, eco-friendly, and zero waste products, making it easier for individuals to make environmentally conscious choices.

11. Agreenably: A platform dedicated to providing eco-friendly products and sustainable living solutions, making it easier for individuals to cut through the greenwashing sales tactics and transition to a greener lifestyle.

As we approach the holiday season, the act of giving takes on a deeper meaning. It's not just about the physical gifts we exchange, but the thought and intention behind them. By choosing to support environmentally responsible brands or donating to nonprofits that are working tirelessly to protect our planet, we are extending our love and care beyond our immediate circle to the global community. It's a beautiful way to honor our loved ones and our shared home, Earth. So, as you curate your holiday shopping list, consider the lasting impact of your choices and how they resonate with the layers of your Wellness Onion. Together, let's make this holiday season a celebration of love, consciousness, and positive change.

Sustainable Marketplaces + Healthy Holiday Practices

The holiday season is synonymous with joy, love, and giving. However, it also presents an opportune moment to reflect on our consumer habits and their ripple effects on our health and the environment. As we strive to make thoughtful choices, exploring sustainable marketplaces and adopting healthy practices can significantly enhance our holiday experience. Here are some curated online marketplaces and tips to guide you towards a more sustainable and health-conscious holiday season:

Sustainable Online Marketplaces:

1. Etsy: Known for its unique and creative goods, Etsy also hosts a plethora of eco-friendly products crafted by talented artisans.

2. Package Free Shop: A haven for zero waste lifestyle products, aiding you in reducing waste in your daily routine.

3. EarthHero: This eco-friendly online marketplace simplifies sustainable shopping, offering a variety of earth-friendly products.

4. Zero Waste Store: Offering a selection of sustainable, eco-friendly, and zero waste products, making it easier to make environmentally conscious choices.

5. Plain Tiger: A platform for discovering sustainable fashion brands that don’t compromise on style.

6. CAP Beauty: A destination for natural beauty products, where quality and sustainability are of paramount importance.

Healthy and Sustainable Holiday Practices:

1. Reduce Waste: Opt for digital gift cards instead of paper or plastic ones to cut back on deforestation and landfill waste. Choose experiences or digital gifts instead of physical ones to reduce waste. Explore our Sustainable Gifting Guide for more eco-friendly gift ideas.

2. Support Local + Ethical: Patronize local and small businesses that prioritize sustainability. It’s a way to support hard working conscious companies and promote ethical consumerism.

3. Charitable Giving: Consider making a donation to a reputable charity in a loved one's name. Charitable gifts have far-reaching positive impacts that extends beyond your immediate sphere of influence and out into the broader human community.

4. Self-Care: Amid the harried, holiday hustle, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Practice mindfulness, maintain a balanced diet, and ensure you get enough rest.

5. Gratitude and Reflection: Cherish the time spent with loved ones, and reflect on the past year. Practice gratitude for the blessings and lessons received.

In conclusion, the journey towards sustainable living is a layered and enriching experience that grows over time, much like the layers of an onion. Each layer reveals a deeper understanding of our impact on the world around us and presents an opportunity to make more informed, conscious choices. This holiday season, as we seek to express our love and appreciation for our loved ones through gift-giving, let's also extend that love and care towards our planet and ourselves by choosing sustainable, non-toxic, and ethically produced products! Happy holidays and happy sustainable shopping.